Semi-continuous composite rigging system

ABSTRACT

A semi-continuous composite rigging system is provided including at least one discontinuous shroud and one continuous shroud. The discontinuous shroud and the continuous shroud are coupled at their end portions to attachment points on a sailboat or other structure by terminal coupling devices. The continuous shroud is further coupled to the sailboat at one or more intermediate locations between its first end portion and its second end portion. These intermediate locations are coupled to the boat by non-terminal coupling devices. A hybrid coupling device may be used in place of a terminal and a non-terminal coupling device at one or more attachment points on the sailboat. The semi-continuous rigging system provides for achieving a desired balance of certain performance characteristics of a sailboat by utilizing a combination of discontinuous shrouds, continuous shrouds, terminal coupling devices, and non-terminal coupling devices.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to standing rigging systems fora sailboat. A standing rigging system is configured to hold the mast ofa sailboat upright, in a generally vertical orientation. Theconfiguration of a standing rigging system can significantly affect theperformance of a sailboat (e.g., because wind exerts force on the mast,spreaders, rigging system, etc. of a sailboat). Some performance-relatedaspects of standing rigging that can be improved include reducingweight, reducing elongation (stretch), reducing wind drag (windage),reducing the need to replace tensioning members (e.g., the risk of thetensioning members breaking, etc.), and increasing the lifespan of thetensioning members.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a semi-continuous composite rigging systemfor a sailboat comprises a first continuous shroud that extendsgenerally vertically and includes a first end portion and a second endportion; a second continuous shroud that extends generally verticallyand includes a first end portion and a second end portion; a pluralityof generally diagonal discontinuous shrouds that each include a firstend portion and a second end portion; and a plurality of terminalcoupling devices that are configured to couple the end portions of theshrouds to the sailboat.

According to another embodiment, a coupling device for a semi-continuousrigging system comprises a first body portion configured to receive acontinuous shroud and to allow the continuous shroud to passtherethrough, and a second body portion coupled to the first bodyportion and configured to receive an end portion of a discontinuousshroud. The first body portion comprises a first end, a second end, afirst passage extending from the first end to the second end, and asecond passage extending from the first end to the second end. Thesecond passage of the first body portion is coextensive with the firstpassage at the first end and at the second end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear elevation view of a semi-continuous composite riggingsystem according to a first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a detail view of the exemplary embodiment of a semi-continuouscomposite rigging system of FIG. 1 taken along the line 2-2.

FIG. 3 is a cross section of a terminal coupling device of FIG. 2 takenalong the line 3-3.

FIG. 4 is a detail view of the exemplary embodiment of a semi-continuouscomposite rigging system of FIG. 1 taken along the line 4-4.

FIG. 5A is a detail view of the exemplary embodiment of asemi-continuous composite rigging system of FIG. 1 taken along the line5-5.

FIG. 5B is a cross section of a continuous shroud of FIG. 5A taken alongthe line B-B.

FIG. 5C is a cross section of a continuous shroud of FIG. 5A taken alongthe line C-C.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the hybrid coupling device and spreader ofFIG. 5A.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the hybrid coupling device of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 8 is a cross section of the hybrid coupling device of FIG. 5A takenalong the line 8-8.

FIG. 9 is a cross section of the hybrid coupling device of FIG. 5A takenalong the line 9-9.

FIG. 10A is a detail view of the exemplary embodiment of asemi-continuous composite rigging system of FIG. 1 taken along the line10A-10A.

FIG. 10B is a cross section of a continuous shroud of FIG. 10A takenalong the line B-B.

FIG. 10C is a cross section of a continuous shroud of FIG. 10A takenalong the line C-C.

FIG. 11A is a detail view of the exemplary embodiment of asemi-continuous composite rigging system of FIG. 1 taken along the line11A-11A.

FIG. 11B is a cross section of a continuous shroud of FIG. 11A takenalong the line B-B.

FIG. 11C is a cross section of a continuous shroud of FIG. 11A takenalong the line C-C.

FIG. 12 is a detail view of the exemplary embodiment of asemi-continuous composite rigging system of FIG. 1 taken along the line12-12.

FIG. 13 is a rear elevation view of a semi-continuous composite riggingsystem according to a second exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the FIGURES generally, a standing rigging system is shownas a semi-continuous composite rigging system according to exemplaryembodiments. The semi-continuous rigging system includes bothdiscontinuous and continuous tensioning members or shrouds, providingfor customization, tuning, or balancing of various sailboat performanceconsiderations.

A discontinuous shroud is a shroud that is coupled to a sailboat (orother structure) by a terminal coupling device at its end portions byterminal coupling devices; a discontinuous shroud is not coupled at anyintermediate points or locations between its end portions. In adiscontinuous rigging system, only discontinuous tensioning members orshrouds are used. On a sailboat, the number of discontinuous shroudsdepends in part on the number of spreaders. The terminal couplingdevices used to couple the end portions of the discontinuous shroudstypically increase weight and windage (e.g., because of materials used,the shape of the terminal coupling devices, etc.). Terminal couplingdevices can also decrease performance while sailing (e.g., because offatigue, etc.).

A continuous shroud is a shroud that is coupled to a sailboat (or otherstructure) at its end portions and at least one intermediate locationbetween its end portions. The end portions of a continuous shroud arecoupled by terminal coupling devices, while the one or more intermediatelocations are coupled by non-terminal coupling devices. Non-terminalcoupling devices are typically relatively lightweight compared toterminal or end coupling devices.

In one exemplary embodiment, a continuous rigging system utilizes onlycontinuous tensioning members. As the spreaders of a boat are generallynot all the same length, some sections or portions of a continuousshroud in a continuous rigging system are generally diagonal shroudsections or portions (e.g., disposed generally diagonally, at an anglerelative to the mast of the boat) to provide support for the mast.

In one exemplary embodiment, the continuous tensioning members of acontinuous rigging system are made up of bundles of fiber compositetensioning member elements in which a percentage of the total number offiber composite tensioning member elements do not go from the deck tothe top of the mast, but branch off after passing through one or morenon-terminal coupling devices and attach to the mast to also create adiagonal mast supporting tensioning member. A non-terminal couplingdevice may be provided in this embodiment as a “Y” branch metallic orcomposite tube that provides for a percentage of the fiber compositetensioning member elements to be re-directed at the necessary angulardeflection to become a diagonal shroud section. The various branches ofthe “Y” tube do not need to be of equal length and can be tailored tosuit the strength requirements of the rigging support system. Thesplitting off of fiber composite elements along the length of the mastfurther reduces weight and windage and tapers the rigging system insteps out over the length of the mast so that material (and weight) isnot provided except where necessary. This concept is discussed in moredetail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,540,250, entitled, “Fiber Composite ContinuousTension Members for Sailboat Masts and Other Tensioning Member SupportedStructures,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Such a branched configuration typically requires numerous directional orangular changes (e.g., defining bends, etc.) at one or more locationsalong the length of the continuous shroud. The locations on a continuousshroud having a directional or angular changes are more highly stressedthan those locations that are substantially straight. If a continuousshroud breaks or is otherwise damaged, replacement may be cumbersome,expensive, or not possible. Discontinuous shrouds are typically easierand more cost-effectively replaced than continuous shrouds.

The semi-continuous composite rigging system disclosed herein providesfor utilization of discontinuous and continuous tensioning members instrategic combination (e.g., taking into consideration the benefits,tradeoffs, etc., between features and performance characteristics ofdiscontinuous rigging systems and continuous rigging systems, etc.) toachieve a desired balance of performance considerations (e.g., weight,windage, the likelihood of needing to replace a tensioning member,reliability, presence of bends in a shroud, etc.) for a sailboat. Forexample, terminal coupling devices typically increase weight and windage(e.g., because of their shape, materials used, etc.) and can decreasethe performance while sailing. Non-terminal coupling devices aretypically lighter, may be made more aerodynamic, and may be morereliable than terminal coupling devices. A semi-continuous riggingsystem eliminates some terminal coupling devices by using continuousshroud(s) in place of multiple discontinuous shrouds. The continuousshrouds enable use of non-terminal coupling (potentially having theadvantages of decreased weight, windage, etc.) devices at attachmentpoints where a terminal coupling device would be required with adiscontinuous shroud. This substitution may be particularly helpful forreducing weight aloft in the sailboat. That being said, continuousshrouds typically experience greater stress (e.g., because of theirincreased length, bends/branched portions, etc.) and are more difficultand expensive to replace than discontinuous shrouds.

Referring to FIG. 1, a semi-continuous composite rigging system 10 isshown according to an exemplary embodiment on a sailboat 12 viewed fromthe stern end. Sailboat 12 includes a hull 14, a keel, a deck 16, a mast18, and a plurality of spreaders 20. Hull 14 of sailboat 12 is shownpartially submerged in water. Deck 16 extends substantially horizontallybetween a port side 22 and a starboard side 24 of sailboat 12. Mast 18includes a bottom portion 26 shown substantially opposite a top portion28. Mast 18 is configured to provide vertical support for one or moresails. Bottom portion 26 of mast 18 is shown coupled or secured to deck16 and extending substantially vertically upward from deck 16. Topportion 28 of mast 18 is disposed distal to deck 16.

Spreaders 20 are shown as elongated support members each having a fixedend 30 and a free end 32. Spreaders 20 are configured to help providetransverse (e.g., side-to-side, etc.) support and/or stabilization formast 18 by deflecting the shrouds, and, thus, enabling the shrouds tobetter support the mast. Spreaders 20 are shown disposed substantiallyhorizontally and substantially transverse to mast 18. Fixed ends 30 ofspreaders 20 are disposed proximate to mast 18 and may be coupled orsecured to mast 18 by any means known in the art. Free ends 32 ofspreaders 20 are shown disposed to port side 22 or to starboard side 24of sailboat 12, distal to mast 18. In the exemplary embodiment shown,spreaders 20 on port side 22 are the mirror image of spreaders 20 onstarboard side 24 of sailboat 12, though, the spreaders may be sized,shaped, numbered, and/or arranged in any manner to achieve the desiredtransverse support/stabilization.

Referring further to FIG. 1, the plurality of spreaders 20 includes afirst set of spreaders 20 a, a second set of spreaders 20 b, and a thirdset of spreaders 20 c according to an exemplary embodiment. Each set ofspreaders is shown having one spreader on port side 22 of sailboat 12and one spreader on starboard side 24, the spreaders on port side 22being the mirror image of the spreaders on starboard side 24. First setof spreaders 20 a is shown disposed proximate to deck 16 and belowsecond set of spreaders 20 b. Second set of spreaders 20 b is showndisposed above first set of spreaders 20 a and below third set ofspreaders 20 c. Third set of spreaders 20 c is shown disposed abovesecond set of spreaders 20 b and generally below top portion 28 of mast18. Third set of spreaders 20 c is shown tilted slightly upward at freeends 32 towards top portion 28 of mast 18. Please note spreaders 20 willbe used to refer to the spreaders collectively, whereas, 20 a, 20 b, and20 c will be used to refer to each set of spreaders or an individualspreader of that spreader set. Generally, a sailboat may have more thanor less than three sets of spreaders.

Referring further to FIG. 1, semi-continuous composite rigging system 10includes a plurality of elongated tensioning members or shrouds 34.Shrouds 34 (e.g., cables, ropes, lines, wires, cords, etc.) areconfigured to provide support for mast 18 in order to keep mast 18substantially vertical and stable. Shrouds 34 are coupled to sailboat 12at a plurality of attachment points 36 (e.g., mast 18, spreaders 20,deck 16, and/or other component elements of sailboat 12). The locationsof these attachment points, the orientation of the shrouds extendingbetween or partially between these attachment points, and the tensionwithin each shroud may be adjusted to help achieve the desired supportfor mast 18. A typical standing rigging configuration will have shroudsor sections/portions thereof that are disposed generally vertically andthose that are disposed generally diagonally (e.g., at a angle, jumpers,etc.) relative to mast 18.

Referring further to FIG. 1, semi-continuous composite rigging system 10is shown symmetrical and tiered, including a first tier 38, a secondtier 40, a third tier 42, and a fourth tier 44 according to an exemplaryembodiment. First tier 38 is shown defined generally between and atleast partially including deck 16 and first set of spreaders 20 a.Second tier 40 is shown defined generally between and at least partiallyincluding first set of spreaders 20 a and second set of spreaders 20 b.Third tier 42 is shown defined generally between and at least partiallyincluding second set of spreaders 20 b and third set of spreaders 20 c.Fourth tier 44 is shown defined generally between and including fourthset of spreaders 20 d and top portion 28 of mast 18. In the exemplaryembodiment shown, semi-continuous composite rigging system 10 issymmetrical, and, accordingly, the tiers are substantially identical onboth port side 22 and starboard side 24. In other exemplary embodiments,the semi-continuous composite rigging system may be unsymmetrical and/orhave more or fewer than four tiers.

Referring further to FIG. 1, plurality of shrouds 34 includes aplurality of discontinuous shrouds 46 and a plurality of continuousshrouds 48. Each discontinuous shroud 46 and each continuous shroud 48includes a first end portion 50 and a second end portion 52. Second endportions 52 are shown disposed generally above first end portions 50(e.g., the second end portions are generally greater distances from thedeck than the first end portions, etc.). Each discontinuous shroud 46 iscoupled at only its first end portion 50 and its second end portion 52to attachment points on sailboat 12. Each continuous shroud 48 iscoupled to attachment points on sailboat 12 at its first end portion 50,at its second end portion 52, and at least one intermediate locationdisposed between its first end portion 50 and its second end portion 52.It should be noted that end portions may be configured in any of avariety of ways, including, but not limited to, as a grouping of fibrousend points, as a loop of one or more tensioning member elements, as awinding, etc.

Referring further to FIG. 1, plurality of discontinuous shrouds 46 isshown including a pair of first discontinuous shrouds 46 a, a secondpair of discontinuous shrouds 46 b, and a third pair of discontinuousshrouds 46 c according to an exemplary embodiment. Each discontinuousshroud 46 is shown as a substantially straight, generally diagonalshroud (e.g., disposed at an angle to the mast, etc.) and substantiallycorresponding to a single tier of semi-continuous composite riggingsystem 10. First discontinuous shrouds 46 a are shown substantiallycorresponding to first tier 38 of semi-continuous composite riggingsystem 10, second discontinuous shrouds 46 b are shown substantiallycorresponding to second tier 40 of semi-continuous composite riggingsystem 10, and third discontinuous shrouds 46 c are shown substantiallycorresponding to third tier 42 of semi-continuous composite riggingsystem 10. Discussing the discontinuous shrouds at starboard side 24 ofsailboat 12 by way of example, and not by way of limitation, firstdiscontinuous shroud 46 a is shown coupled at first end portion 50 todeck 16 at a location distal to mast 18 and at second end portion 52 tomast 18 proximate to first spreader 20 a. Second discontinuous shroud 46b is shown coupled at first end portion 50 to free end 32 of firstspreader 20 a and at second end portion 52 to mast 18 proximate tosecond spreader 20 b. Third discontinuous shroud 46 c is shown coupledat first end portion 50 to free end 32 of second spreader 20 b and atsecond end portion 52 to mast 18 proximate to third spreader 20 c. Inother exemplary embodiments, one or more of the discontinuous shroudsmay be disposed at an orientation other than generally diagonal (e.g.,generally vertical) or disposed at a variety of different angle(s)relative to the mast. In other exemplary embodiments, one or more of thediscontinuous shrouds may correspond to multiple tiers. For example, adiscontinuous shroud may be coupled to the deck at its first end portionand be coupled to the mast proximate to the second spreader at itssecond end portion. Please note that 46 will be used to refer to thediscontinuous shrouds collectively, whereas, 46 a, 46 b, and 46 c willbe used to refer to each pair of discontinuous shrouds or individualshrouds of those pairs.

Referring further to FIG. 1, plurality of continuous shrouds 48 is shownincluding a first continuous shroud 54 and a second continuous shroud 56according to an exemplary embodiment. Please note that 48 will be usedto refer to the continuous shrouds collectively, whereas, 54, 56 will beused to refer to the continuous shrouds individually.

Referring further to FIG. 1, continuous shrouds 48 are shown extendinggenerally vertically and continuously from deck 16 to top portion 28 ofmast 18 according to an exemplary embodiment. First continuous shroud 54and second continuous shroud 56 are each shown substantiallycorresponding to all four tiers of semi-continuous composite riggingsystem 10, the sections of each continuous shroud corresponding to eachtier being generally vertical. First continuous shroud 54 and secondcontinuous shroud 56 are also each shown coupled to sailboat 12 at threeintermediate locations between first end portions 50 and second endportions 52. Discussing second continuous shroud 56 by way of example,and not by way of limitation, second continuous shroud 56 is showncoupled at a first intermediate location 58, a second intermediatelocation 60, and a third intermediate location 62 to sailboat 12. Firstintermediate location 58, second intermediate location 60, and thirdintermediate location 62 are disposed between first end portion 50 andsecond end portion 52 of second continuous shroud 56. At firstintermediate location 58, a first distance 66 from first end portion 50,second continuous shroud 56 is shown coupled to first spreader 20 a ator proximate to free end 32. At second intermediate location 60, asecond distance 68 from first end portion 50, second continuous shroud56 is shown coupled to second spreader 20 b at or proximate to free end32. At third intermediate location 62, a third distance 70 from firstend portion 50, second continuous shroud 56 is shown coupled to thirdspreader 20 c at or proximate to free end 32. Generally, a continuousshroud may be coupled to a sailboat at one or more intermediatelocations.

Referring further to FIG. 1, a plurality of terminal or end couplingdevices 72 couple to sailboat 12 first end portions 50 and second endportions 52 of discontinuous shrouds 46 and continuous shrouds 48according to an exemplary embodiment. Terminal coupling devices 72(e.g., mounting structures, connection fittings, thimbles, metalfittings, pins, rotatably-secured end fittings, etc.) are configured tocouple an end portion of a discontinuous or continuous shroud to anattachment point on sailboat 12. Terminal coupling devices 72 are shownreceiving and retaining (e.g., securing, confining, pinching, clamping,clasping, etc.) end portions 50, 52 of discontinuous shrouds 46 andcontinuous shrouds 48 proximate to desired attachment points 36 onsailboat 12. Generally, a terminal coupling device may be coupled to orprovide for coupling to an attachment point in an number of manners,including, but not limited to, being coupled with one or more fasteners,being pivotally secured, being rotatably secured, etc.

Discontinuous shrouds 46 are coupled to sailboat 12 by only terminalcoupling devices 72. As discussed above, there is typically an attendantweight penalty for each terminal coupling device 72 used insemi-continuous composite rigging system 10 (e.g., because of materials,shape, etc.). This is significant because weight reduction that takesplace above the deck allows for a far greater reduction in keel weight.Also, windage caused by terminal coupling devices can result in a lossof performance while sailing. It should be noted that various types ofterminal coupling devices may be utilized in a semi-continuous compositerigging system.

In addition to being coupled to sailboat 12 by terminal coupling devices72 at first end portions 50 and second end portions 52, continuousshrouds 48 are also coupled to sailboat 12 at intermediate locations(e.g., first intermediate location 58, second intermediate location 60,etc.) by a plurality of non-terminal coupling devices 74. Non-terminalcoupling devices 74 (e.g., pass-through fittings, branch fittings,tapes, adhesives, etc.) are configured to couple continuous shrouds atintermediate locations to attachment points and permit the continuousshrouds to continue therethrough or therepast. Each non-terminalcoupling device 74 (e.g., in FIG. 11A) is shown receiving a continuousshroud at an intermediate location and substantially retaining (e.g.,securing, confining, pinching, clamping, clasping, adhering, etc.) thatintermediate location proximate to a desired attachment point onsailboat 12. Continuous shrouds 48 are further shown extending outwardfrom non-terminal coupling devices 74 in two or more directions towardattachments points on sailboat 12 (e.g., toward attachment points towhich the end portions of the continuous shroud will be coupled byterminal coupling devices 72). Generally, a non-terminal coupling devicemay be coupled to or provide for coupling to an attachment point in anynumber of manners, including, but not limited to, being coupled with oneor more fasteners, being pivotally and/or rotatably secured, beingadhered, being held in place by force from a tensioning member, etc.

Referring to the FIGURES generally, discontinuous shrouds 46 andcontinuous shrouds 48 shrouds are shown comprising a plurality ofelongated composite tensioning member elements shown as composite rodsor fibers 76 according to an exemplary embodiment (see, e.g., FIG. 5Billustrating rods 76). The use of high strength and light weightcomposite fibers with or without a polymer matrix in lieu of metallicwire rope or metallic rod tensioning members can reduce the mast riggingweight and improve sailboat performance, since, as mentioned above, anyweight reduction that takes place above the deck allows for a fargreater reduction in keel weight. This concept is discussed in moredetail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,137,617, entitled “Composite TensioningMembers and Method for Manufacturing the Same,” which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. Also, to the extent that thenumber of shrouds and/or their profiles can be reduced or consolidated,windage can be further reduced.

Rods 76 are shown having circular cross sections and extendingsubstantially parallel to one another (see. e.g., FIG. 5B) according toan exemplary embodiment. Rods 76 are shown bundled (e.g., coupled,bound, bunched, gathered, packaged, etc.) together to define a shroudhaving a substantially circular cross section. Shrouds havingsubstantially circular cross sections generally have the lowest windfriction draft at all apparent wind angles for conventional sailboats.According to other exemplary embodiments, a shroud comprising fibercomposite elements may be assembled to have other cross sections. Forexample, the fiber composite elements may be assembled to have lessfrontal area so to achieve lower drag, e.g., for high-speed catamaransand other boats where the apparent wind angle is most generally alignedwith the path of the vessel and the lowest frontal area is desired. Inother exemplary embodiments, one or more of the shrouds may be otherwiseconfigured (e.g., as a metal rod, as wire rope, etc.). Further, theelongated tensioning member elements may have any of a variety of shapesand/or fiber configurations suitable for use in a rigging system shroud.

Rods 76 may be made from a variety of composite materials, includingadvanced composite materials. By way of example, and not by way oflimitation, some suitable materials having high strength and highmodulus fibers include carbon fiber, PBO fiber, and various aramidfibers used along with polymer coatings or as pultruded compositeelements made with polymer resins. Bare fiber, coated fiber materials,and pultruded composite materials may also be used if an effectivetermination is made to attach the fibers to the required end points.Other exemplary materials may include fiber composite elements made froma non-conductive dielectric material such as fiberglass or highmodulus/high strength polyethylel with or without a polymer sizing,polymer coating, or polymer matrix.

Referring back to FIG. 1, continuous shrouds 48 are shown tapered,having a percentage of the total number of fiber tensioning memberelements that do not extend continuously from deck 16 to top portion 28of mast 18 according to an exemplary embodiment. Tapered shrouds areconfigured to improve performance of sailboat 12 by decreasing theweight of the boat aloft. Continuous shrouds 48 are shown tapered instages (see e.g., FIGS. 5A-5C and 10A-10B), having rods 76 of varyinglengths. At one or more locations between first end portion 50 andsecond end portion 52 of each continuous shroud 48, one or more rods 76defining a portion of the continuous shroud may terminate. Above thelocation at which a portion of the rods in a continuous shroud terminate(e.g., farther from deck 16, and closer to top portion 28 of mast 18),fewer rods 76 form the continuous shroud. Accordingly, the crosssections of continuous shrouds 48 are largest proximate deck 16 and maybecome progressively smaller moving from deck 16 towards top portion 28of mast 18. Generally, varying the size, length, and/or bundlingarrangement of the fiber composite elements provides the ability to finetune the strength and weight characteristics of semi-continuouscomposite rigging system 10.

In an exemplary embodiment, one or more shrouds may be tapered by havingone or more shroud portions branch (e.g., separate, divide, split,splinter, fork, etc.) therefrom. These branched shroud portions oftenform generally diagonal shroud portions. For example, the shroud portionmay split off from a continuous shroud proximate the free end of thesecond spreader and be coupled to the mast at or proximate to a fixedend of the third spreader while the continuous shroud is coupledproximate a top portion of a mast. Splitting off shroud portions maydecrease the number and/or weight of the coupling devices needed tocouple semi-continuous composite rigging system 10 to sailboat 12,thereby decreasing weight aloft and the counterweight required in thekeel.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the use of continuous shrouds 48 thatare generally vertical, and discontinuous shrouds 46 that are generallydiagonal provides for a rigging system having fewer and/or less severeangular or directional changes along shrouds 34 than a similarcontinuous rigging system would have. As discussed above, the angular ordirectional changes along a shroud (e.g., branched shrouds, etc.) aregenerally more highly stressed. At the locations where there is anangular or directions change, the most highly stressed location is theoutside radius of the bend, because, under a tensile load, the outerportion of the shroud has more strain than the inside of the bendportion, and, therefore, can be overloaded beyond the limiting tensilestrength properties of the tension member material. A tension membermay, however, be tailored to have equal strain in operation across thetension member cross section at any given point along its length. In oneexemplary embodiment, the continuous shroud is a composite shroudcomprising a plurality of fiber composite elements. The tension memberelements of the composite shroud are equally tensioned in the desiredpath during manufacture such that the fiber composite elements equallyshare the load during use of the shrouds (e.g., at the bends in thefiber composite elements where the shroud is branched, etc.). Equallytensioning or properly defining the ideal path length for the variousfiber elements can be accomplished in several ways. First, the fiberelements can be equally tensioned when the lower (deck level) terminalcoupling device is fixed to the collective bundle of fibers. Second, thefiber composite elements can be laid out in their actual systemconfiguration of diagonal and vertical sections such that the actualshape and path length for every fiber element is optimized for strengthand uniform loading. This can be accomplished either by hand or bymanufacturing tooling and/or machinery wherein the fiber elements areindividually shaped to create diagonal or vertical shrouds.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the use of continuous shrouds inplace of multiple discontinuous shrouds in a similar discontinuousrigging system, provides for a rigging system having fewer terminalcoupling devices than a similar discontinuous rigging system would have.As discussed above, non-terminal coupling devices are typically lighter,more durable, and more aerodynamic than terminal coupling devices.

FIGS. 2-7 shown some exemplary attachment points at whichsemi-continuous composite rigging system 10 is coupled to sailboat 12;these attachment points will be discussed by way of example and not byway of limitation.

Referring to FIG. 2, first end portion 50 of first discontinuous shroud46 a is shown coupled to deck 16 at starboard side 24 of sailboat 12 bya terminal coupling device 72, which is shown as a generally conicalfitting 80 according to an exemplary embodiment. First end portion 50 ofsecond continuous shroud 56 is also shown coupled to deck 16 of sailboat12 by a terminal coupling device 72 shown as a substantially conicalfitting 80 according to this exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3,rods 76 are shown spayed within a conical fittings 80 and held thereinby a plug according to an exemplary embodiment. The plug may be formedof a resin (e.g., a structural epoxy resin) or other material known inthe art. The splaying of the rods is configured to permit good contactbetween all of the rods and the material of the plug. According to otherexemplary embodiments, any coupling device configured to receive and fixan end portion of a shroud relative to an attachment point of a boat maybe used (e.g., friction fittings, continuous loop thimbles, castcompression cone fittings, pressing the composite rods around a metalball in a housing, rotatably-secured end fittings or other couplingdevices, etc.).

Referring to FIG. 4, second end portions 52 of first discontinuousshrouds 46 a are shown coupled to mast 18 proximate first pair ofspreaders 20 a by terminal coupling devices 72 according to an exemplaryembodiment. Similar to terminal coupling devices 72 shown in FIG. 2, theterminal coupling devices are shown as substantially conical fittings.According to other exemplary embodiments, any coupling device configuredto couple an end of a shroud relative to an attachment point of asailboat or other structure utilizing a standing rigging system may beused (e.g., friction fittings, continuous loop thimbles, castcompression cone fittings, pressing the composite rods around a metalball in a housing, rotatably-secured end fittings or other couplingdevices, etc.).

Referring to FIGS. 5A-C, semi-continuous composite rigging system 10 isshown including a coupling device shown as a hybrid coupling device 82 aaccording to an exemplary embodiment. Hybrid coupling device 82 a isconfigured to couple one end portion of a discontinuous shroud to anattachment point of sailboat 12 and to couple an intermediate portion ofa continuous shroud to an attachment point of sailboat 12. In this way,hybrid coupling device 82 a is configured to function both as a terminalcoupling device and as a non-terminal coupling device. Such anarrangement may decrease weight, windage, and provide other benefitsrelated to performance considerations (e.g., because the total weight ofthe hybrid coupling device is less than the combined weight of theterminal and non-terminal coupling devices that would otherwise be used,because the hybrid coupling device has a relatively aerodynamic profile,etc.).

Referring to FIG. 5A, hybrid coupling device 82 a is shown couplingfirst end portion 50 of second discontinuous shroud 46 b and firstintermediate location 58 of second continuous shroud 56 to sailboat 12at or proximate to free end 32 of first spreader 20 a. As discussedabove, second discontinuous shroud 46 b extends generally diagonallyfrom free end 32 of first spreader 20 toward mast 18, where second endportion 52 of second discontinuous shroud 46 b is coupled to mast 18proximate to second spreader 20 b by a terminal coupling device. Secondcontinuous shroud 56 is disposed generally vertically, extending upwardthrough hybrid coupling device 82 a proximate free end 32 of firstspreader 20 a and toward free end 32 of second spreader 20 b.

Referring to FIGS. 6-7, hybrid coupling device 82 a is shown explodedand including a body 84 a having a first body portion 86 a and a secondbody portion 88 a according to an exemplary embodiment. First bodyportion 86 a is shown at least partially defining and configured tofunction as a non-terminal coupling device, coupling second continuousshroud 56 at first intermediate location 58 to free end 32 of firstspreader 20 a. Second body portion 88 a is shown at least partiallydefining and configured to function as a terminal coupling device,coupling first end portion 50 of second discontinuous shroud 46 b tofree end 32 of first spreader 20 a. Body 84 a is shown shaped, sized,and oriented to minimize windage. According to other exemplaryembodiments, the body may be shaped and/or sized and/or oriented in anymanner sufficient to minimize windage.

Referring to FIGS. 7-8, first body portion 86 a of hybrid couplingdevice 82 a is shown including a first end 92 a, second end 94 a, and atleast partially defining a first passage 96 a and a second passage 98 aaccording to an exemplary embodiment. As discussed above, first bodyportion 86 a is configured to couple an intermediate location of acontinuous shroud to a free end of a spreader and permit the continuousshroud to continue generally vertically therethrough/therepast. Secondend 94 a is shown disposed generally above first end 92 a. Referring toFIG. 8, first passage 96 a is shown extending substantially from firstend 92 a to second end 94 a. Second passage 98 a is shown extendingsubstantially from first end 92 a to second end 94 a. First passage 96 aand second passage 98 a are shown coextensive at or proximate to firstend 92 a and coextensive at or proximate to second end 94 a. Firstpassage 96 a and second passage 98 a are not coextensive and are spaceda distance apart at a central portion 100 a between first end 92 a andsecond end 94 a of first body portion 86 a. First body portion 86 a isshown made of carbon fiber and epoxy, materials which are relativelylight weight materials (cf., terminal coupling devices typically formedof metal). According to other exemplary embodiments, other materials maybe used (e.g., other materials having high strength and light weight,etc.). According to still other exemplary embodiments, the first bodyportion may have more or less than two passages and/or these passagesmay be coextensive or not coextensive at any number of regions orlocations of the first body portion.

Referring further to FIG. 8, second continuous shroud 56 is shown splitinto a first segment 104 and a second segment 106 of rods 76, which arerejoined between first end 92 a and second end 94 a within hybridcoupling device 82 a according to an exemplary embodiment. Secondcontinuous shroud 56 is shown extending through a first opening 102 a atfirst end 92 a of first body portion 86 a of hybrid coupling device 82a. First segment 104 and second segment 106 of rods 76 of secondcontinuous shroud 56 are split (e.g., separated, etc.) proximate firstend 92 a of first body portion 86 a. First segment 104 of rods 76 ofsecond continuous shroud 56 are shown at least partially disposed (e.g.,received, etc.) within first passage 96 a, and second segment 106 ofrods 76 of second continuous shroud 56 are shown at least partiallydisposed (e.g., received, etc.) within second passage 98 a at centralportion 100 a. Referring to FIG. 9, first segment 104 and second segment106 of rods 76 are shown having substantially semi-circular (e.g.,D-shaped, etc.) cross sections. Referring back to FIG. 8, first segment104 and second segment 106 are shown rejoined proximate second end 94 aof first body portion 86 a and extending through a second opening 108 aat second end 94 a of first body portion 86 a. In other exemplaryembodiments, the first segment and the second segment may have crosssections other than semi-circular cross sections. In still otherexemplary embodiments, continuous shrouds may not be split and rejoinedwithin the hybrid coupling device, but, rather, remain bundled, having asubstantially circular cross section. In still other exemplaryembodiments, the first body portion may be sized and/or shaped in anymanner sufficient to couple an intermediate location of a continuousshroud to the sailboat (or other structure) and permit the continuousshroud to continue generally therethrough.

Referring further to FIG. 8, a first portion 112 of rods 76 of secondcontinuous shroud 56 are shown terminating at first intermediatelocation 58 between first end 92 a and second end 94 a of first bodyportion 86 a of hybrid coupling device 82 a according to an exemplaryembodiment. As discussed above, shrouds 34 may be tapered by having oneor more portions of rods 76 terminate at one or more locationstherealong (or by other methods known in the art). Terminating firstportion 112 of rods 76 between first end 92 a and second end 94 aprovides for some tapering of second continuous shroud 56 as it extendsfrom deck 16 toward top portion 28 of mast 18. Referring back to FIG.5B, a cross section of second continuous shroud 56 below first end 92 aof first body portion 86 a of hybrid coupling device 82 a proximatefirst spreader 20 a is shown. Referring back to FIG. 5C, a cross sectionof second continuous shroud 56 above second end 94 a of first bodyportion 86 a proximate first spreader 20 a is shown. The cross sectionof second continuous shroud 56 shown in FIG. 5B is larger and containsmore rods than the cross section shown in FIG. 5C.

In an exemplary embodiment, the continuous shrouds are held in positionrelative to the first body portions of the hybrid coupling devices witha polymer (e.g., an epoxy adhesive, a rubber material, or otherthermoset polymers, etc.) injected into the first body portion of thehybrid coupling device. The polymer may be selected to provide a desiredmodulus of elasticity in order to provide for substantially optimizedload sharing among the fiber composite elements. In other exemplaryembodiments, other methods of holding (e.g., retaining, securing, etc.)the continuous shrouds in position relative to the first body portion ofthe hybrid coupling device may be used.

Referring back to FIGS. 6-7, a plate 114 a is shown including anaperture 116 a and is disposed at least partially between first passage96 a and second passage 98 a at central portion 100 a of first bodyportion 86 a according to an exemplary embodiment. Plate 114 a isconfigured to provide for coupling of second body portion 88 a to firstbody portion 86 a in a manner intended to minimize the bending moment onfirst spreader 20 a (e.g., caused by second continuous shroud 56).Aperture 116 a is shown substantially circular and extending throughplate 114 a. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the plate is shown as anindependent component of first body portion. In another exemplaryembodiment, plate may be integral with the other components of the firstbody portion. In still other exemplary embodiments, a feature other thanplate may be provided that is configured to provide for coupling thesecond body portion to the first body portion. In some of these otherexemplary embodiments, the feature may provide for coupling in a mannerintended to minimize the bending moment on a corresponding spreader.

Referring further to FIGS. 6-7, second body portion 88 a of hybridcoupling device 82 a is shown as a generally cylindrical member having afirst end 118 a substantially opposite a second end 120 a and anaperture 122 a according to an exemplary embodiment. As discussed above,second body portion 88 a is configured to provide for first end portion50 of second discontinuous shroud 46 b to be coupled to free end 32 offirst spreader 20 a. Aperture 122 a is shown extending substantiallydiagonally through second body portion 88 a at first end 118 a andincluding a seating region 124 a at the top of the second body portion88 a. Second body portion 88 a is shown made of titanium, though, may bemade of other materials according to other exemplary embodiments (e.g.,other high strength materials, etc.). In other exemplary embodiments,the second body portion may be otherwise shaped and/or configured in anymanner sufficient to provide for an end portion of a discontinuousshroud to be coupled to a sailboat or other structure thereby.

Referring further to FIGS. 6-7, a terminal coupling device shown as aterminal fitting 126 is shown disposed at first end portion 50 of seconddiscontinuous shroud 46 b and at least partially defining the terminalcoupling device of hybrid coupling device 82 a according to an exemplaryembodiment. Terminal fitting 126 is configured to provide for first endportion 50 of second discontinuous shroud 46 b to be coupled to free end32 of first spreader 20 via aperture 122 a in second body portion 88 a.Terminal fitting 126 is shown including a stop 128, a head 130, and acylindrical member or hanger 132 extending between stop 128 and head130. Head 130 is disposed at least partially beneath aperture 122 a tocouple first end portion 50 of second discontinuous shroud 46 b relativeto second body portion 88 a and is configured to prevent terminalfitting 126 from being pulled upward through second body portion 88 a.Stop 128 is shown disposed at least partially above second body portion88 a. Stop 128 is configured to prevent second discontinuous shroud 46 bfrom being pulled downward through aperture 122 a. Stop 128 is shownhaving a diameter larger than that of aperture 122 a and including aconvex or seated region 134 configured to be seated in seating region124 a of aperture 122 a. While seating region 124 a and seated region134 are shown as substantially concave and convex, respectively, theseregions may be otherwise shaped or configured to provide for seating ofa terminal diagonal fitting relative to a hybrid coupling device orportion thereof.

Cylindrical member 132 extends through aperture 122 a. Cylindricalmember 132 and stop 128 are configured to allow for some articulation ofa head relative to hybrid coupling device 82 a to better accommodatetensile forces exerted on hybrid coupling device 82 a by seconddiscontinuous shroud 46 b. In some exemplary embodiments, the terminalfitting may be another type of fitting or terminal coupling deviceconfigured to be coupled to the second body portion. In other exemplaryembodiments, other features may define the terminal coupling device thatis configured to couple an end portion of a discontinuous shroud to thehybrid coupling device.

Referring further to FIGS. 6-7, second body portion 88 a is furtherconfigured to be coupled to first body portion 86 a. First end 118 a ofsecond body portion 88 a includes a coupling feature shown as aprotrusion or nose 140 a and a stop 142 a according to an exemplaryembodiment. Nose 140 a is configured to be received in aperture 116 a ofplate 114 a of first body portion 86 a. Nose 140 a is shown extendingthrough aperture 116 a of plate 114 a. Stop 142 a is shown disposedapproximately between nose 140 a and second end 120 a of second bodyportion 88 a. Stop 142 a is configured to prevent the remainder of thesecond body portion 88 a from being pulled through aperture 116 a inplate 114 a when semi-continuous composite rigging system 10 is in use.A fastener shown as a nut 144 a is shown received on nose 140 a tosecure second body portion 88 a to first body portion 86 a. In otherexemplary embodiments, other coupling methods and/or devices may be usedto couple the second body portion to the first body portion of thehybrid coupling device. Further, the second body portion and the firstbody portion may be otherwise shaped and arranged relative to oneanother, may be integral, and/or may have numerous sub-components orcoupling features.

Referring to FIG. 6, first spreader 20 a is shown including a tip 146, arecess 148 disposed at tip 146, and a cavity 150 extending substantiallyaxially at least partially within first spreader 20 a from recess 148 adistance toward mast 18 substantially axially according to a firstexemplary embodiment.

Hybrid coupling device 82 a is configured to be seated at tip 146 atfree end 32 of first spreader 20 a. First body portion 86 a isconfigured to be seated in recess 148 at tip 146 of free end 32 of firstspreader 20 a. First body portion 86 a is shown disposed generallyvertically and first continuous shroud 54 is shown continuing generallyvertically through first body portion 86 a of hybrid coupling device 82a (see, e.g., FIG. 5A illustrating first continuous shroud 54 continuinggenerally vertically through first body portion 86 a of hybrid couplingdevice 82 a from deck toward top portion of mast). Second body portion88 a is shown configured to extend axially at least partially into tip146 of first spreader 20 a within cavity 150. Second body portion 88 ais shown disposed substantially horizontally, and, accordingly, at anangle to first body portion 86. Second discontinuous shroud 46 b iscoupled to second body portion 88 a and extends generally diagonally(upward and inward) toward mast 18 from second body portion 88 a and atan angle thereto. The receipt of second body portion 88 a in cavity 150,and the tension in second discontinuous shroud 46 b and secondcontinuous shroud 56, are intended to help maintain hybrid couplingdevice 82 a in a desired position relative to first spreader 20 a. Itshould be noted that this seating arrangement can have windage reducingbenefits (e.g., components of the hybrid coupling device are partiallyhidden from the wind by being seated in the spreader, etc.).

Referring to FIG. 6, second discontinuous shroud 46 b exerts a bendingmoment on first spreader 20 a. The coupling arrangement of hybridcoupling device 82 a is configured to minimize this bending momentaccording to an exemplary embodiment. By splitting second continuousshroud 56 into first segment 104 and a second segment 106 at centralportion 100 a of first body portion 86 a, first end portion 50 of seconddiscontinuous shroud 46 b can be coupled closer to first intermediatelocation 58 of second continuous shroud 56. The close proximity of firstintermediate location 58 of second continuous shroud 56 and first endportion 50 of second discontinuous shroud 46 b helps minimize thebending moment on first spreader 20 a. According to other exemplaryembodiments, the hybrid coupling device may be seated relative to thespreader in any number of manners sufficient to couple the shroudsthereto. In one exemplary embodiment, the hybrid coupling device may beintegral or partially integral with a spreader or a component elementthereof.

Referring to FIG. 10A, first end portion 50 of third discontinuousshroud 46 c and second intermediate location 60 of second continuousshroud 56 are shown coupled to sailboat 12 proximate to free end 32 ofsecond spreader 20 b by a hybrid coupling device 82 b. Hybrid couplingdevice 82 b is substantially similar to hybrid coupling device 82 ashown in FIG. 5A, though, hybrid coupling device 82 b is shown having aslightly more pronounced bend in first body portion 86 b to accommodatethe angular and directional changes of second continuous shroud 56proximate to second intermediate location 60 than hybrid coupling device82 a. From hybrid coupling device 82 b, third discontinuous shroud 46 cextends diagonally (generally upward and inward) toward mast 18, wheresecond end portion 52 of third discontinuous shroud 46 c is coupled tomast 18 proximate third spreader 20 c. Second continuous shroud 56extends substantially vertically toward free end 32 of third spreader 20b. In another exemplary embodiment, an independent terminal couplingdevice and a non-terminal coupling device may be provided in lieu of ahybrid coupling device. According to other embodiments, the hybridcoupling device may be configured in any manner sufficient to couple anintermediate portion of a continuous shroud and an end portion of adiscontinuous shroud to a sailboat.

Referring to FIGS. 10B-10C, a second portion of rods 76 of secondcontinuous shroud 56 are terminated within hybrid coupling device 82 baccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10B shows a cross section of second continuous shroud 56 belowfirst end 92 b of first body portion 86 b of hybrid coupling device 82 bproximate second spreader 20 b. FIG. 10C shows a cross section of secondcontinuous shroud 56 above second end 94 b of first body portion 86 b ofhybrid coupling device 82 b proximate second spreader 20 b. The crosssection of second continuous shroud 56 shown in FIG. 10B is larger andcontains more rods than the cross section shown in FIG. 10C, indicatingthe termination of the second portion of the rods and the tapering ofthe second continuous shroud.

Referring to FIG. 11A, third intermediate location 62 of secondcontinuous shroud 56 is shown coupled to sailboat 12 proximate free endof third spreader 20 c by a non-terminal coupling device 74 according toan exemplary embodiment; a discontinuous shroud is not coupled to thisnon-terminal coupling device. Non-terminal coupling device 74 permitssecond continuous shroud 56 to enter and continue therethrough.Non-terminal coupling device 74 also accommodates the angular anddirectional changes of second continuous shroud 56 proximate thirdintermediate location 62. From this attachment point, second continuousshroud 56 extends generally vertically upwards toward top portion 28 ofmast 18, where second end portion 52 of second continuous shroud 56 iscoupled by a terminal coupling device (see, e.g., FIG. 12).

Referring to FIGS. 11B-11C, no rods 76 of second continuous shroud 56are terminated within non-terminal coupling device 74 (as with hybridcoupling device 82 a and hybrid coupling device 82 b) according to anexemplary embodiment. FIG. 11B shows a cross section of secondcontinuous shroud 56 below non-terminal coupling device 74 proximate tothird spreader 20 c. FIG. 11C shows a cross section of second continuousshroud 56 above non-terminal coupling device 74 proximate to thirdspreader 20 c. The cross section of second continuous shroud 56 shown inFIG. 11B is substantially the same as the cross section shown in FIG.11C, showing the termination of the third portion of the rods and thetapering of the second continuous shroud. According to other exemplaryembodiments, further tapering of the second continuous shroud may beaccomplished by any number of methods at this and/or other locations(e.g., one or more rods could terminate within non-terminal couplingdevice, etc.). According to still other exemplary embodiments, the firstand second continuous shrouds may not be tapered or may be tapered in adifferent progression than the exemplary tapering progression discussedherein.

Referring to FIG. 12, second end portions 52 of first continuous shroud54 and second continuous shroud 56 are shown coupled to sailboat 12 attop portion 28 of mast 18 and forming a cap according to an exemplaryembodiment. As with the other sections of first continuous shroud 54 andsecond continuous shroud 56, the sections of these shrouds that form thecap are generally vertical sections. First continuous shroud 54 andsecond continuous shroud 56 are coupled to top portion of mast 18 byterminal coupling devices 72. Similar to the terminal coupling deviceshown in FIG. 2, the terminal coupling devices 72 are shown assubstantially conical fittings. Though, according to other exemplaryembodiments, other terminal coupling devices known in the art may beused (e.g., friction fittings, continuous loop thimbles, castcompression cone fittings, pressing the composite rods around a metalball in a housing, rotatably-secured end fittings or other couplingdevices, etc.).

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-12, the terminal coupling devices 72,non-terminal coupling devices 74, and shrouds 34 on starboard side 24 ofsailboat 12 are the mirror image of those discussed above assemi-continuous composite rigging system 10 is shown symmetrical.

Referring to FIG. 13, a semi-continuous composite rigging system 210 isshown according to a second exemplary embodiment. Semi-continuouscomposite rigging system 210 is shown on a sailboat 212. Sailboat 212 isshown including a deck 216, a plurality of spreaders 220, and a mast 218having a top portion 228 (similar to the semi-continuous compositerigging system 10). Spreaders 220 include a first pair of spreaders 220a, a second pair of spreaders 220 b, and a third pair of spreaders 20 c,each having a first or free end 232 disposed distal to mast 218 and asecond or fixed end 230 disposed proximate to mast 218.

Referring further to FIG. 13, semi-continuous composite rigging system210 is shown tiered, including a first tier 238, a second tier 240, athird tier 242, and a fourth tier 244 according to an exemplaryembodiment. First tier 238 is shown defined generally between and atleast partially including deck 216 and first set of spreaders 220 a.Second tier 240 is shown defined generally between and at leastpartially including first set of spreaders 220 a and second set ofspreaders 220 b. Third tier 242 is shown defined generally between andat least partially including second set of spreaders 220 b and third setof spreaders 220 c. Fourth tier 244 is shown defined generally betweenand including third set of spreaders 220 c and top portion 228 of mast218. Generally, a sailboat may have more than or less than three sets ofspreaders.

Similar to semi-continuous composite rigging system 10, semi-continuouscomposite rigging system 210 is shown including a plurality shrouds 234(e.g., cables, ropes, lines, wires, cords, etc.) configured to providesupport for mast 218 in order to keep mast 218 substantially verticaland stable. Plurality of shrouds 234 includes a plurality ofdiscontinuous shrouds 246 and a plurality of continuous shrouds 248.Each discontinuous shroud 246 and each continuous shroud 248 includes afirst end portion 250 and a second end portion 252.

In contrast to semi-continuous composite rigging system 10, all shroudscorresponding to first tier 238 of semi-continuous composite riggingsystem 210 are discontinuous shrouds 246 a that are coupled to sailboat212 at their first end portions 250 and second end portions 252 byterminal coupling devices 272 according to the exemplary embodimentshown. Discontinuous shrouds 246 a includes two generally verticaldiscontinuous shrouds 258 and two generally diagonal discontinuousshrouds 260. First end portions 250 of generally vertical discontinuousshrouds 258 are coupled to the deck of sailboat 212 and second endportions 252 are coupled to first set of spreaders 220 a proximate freeends 232. First end portions 250 of generally diagonal discontinuousshrouds 260 are each coupled to the deck of sailboat 212 and second endportions 252 are coupled to mast 218 proximate to first spreader 220 a.

First end portions 250 of a first continuous shroud 254 and a secondcontinuous shroud 256 are coupled to sailboat 212 at free ends 232 offirst pair of spreaders 220 a, rather than at deck 216, as insemi-continuous composite rigging system 10. Second end portions 252 offirst continuous shroud 254 and second continuous shroud 256 are coupledto sailboat 212 proximate top portion 228 of mast 218.

First continuous shroud 254 and second continuous shroud 256 do notinclude any branched portions and extend generally vertically from freeends 232 of first pair of spreaders 220 a to top portion 228 of mast218. A plurality of hybrid coupling devices 282 similar to hybridcoupling devices 82 (discussed above) couple to sailboat 212 firstcontinuous shroud 254 and second continuous shroud 256 at intermediatelocations therealong. Each hybrid coupling device is at least partiallydefined by a terminal coupling device 272 and a non-terminal couplingdevice 274.

In this manner, semi-continuous composite rigging system 210 achieves adifferent balance of performance considerations for sailboat 212 thansemi-continuous composite rigging system 10 achieves for sailboat 12. Onone hand, semi-continuous composite rigging system 210 includes moreterminal coupling devices than semi-continuous composite rigging system10, which may add more weight, increases windage, etc. On the otherhand, semi-continuous composite rigging system 210 is less likely tohave to have a continuous shroud replaced than semi-continuous compositerigging system 10. Shrouds corresponding to a first tier of a standingrigging system are generally subject to damage more often than manyother shroud sections corresponding to other tiers of a standing riggingsystem on a sailboat. In semi-continuous composite rigging system 210,the first tier shrouds are discontinuous shrouds, rather than sectionsof a continuous shroud, as in semi-continuous composite rigging system10. Thus, in semi-continuous composite rigging system 210, damage to ashroud corresponding to the first tier requires only that adiscontinuous shroud be fixed or replaced, rather than an entirecontinuous shroud, as in semi-continuous composite rigging system 10,saving expense, time, etc. In other exemplary embodiments, continuousshrouds may extend between any combination of adjacent tiers to achievea different balance of performance considerations than insemi-continuous composite rigging systems 10 and 210. In still otherexemplary embodiments, continuous shrouds may include one or branchedportions, eliminating the use of discrete shrouds for diagonal shroudsections at one or more tiers achieving a still different balance ofperformance considerations.

Referring generally to the FIGURES, it is within the scope of thisdisclosure to substitute any hybrid coupling device with a terminal anda non-terminal coupling device and substitute discontinuous andcontinuous shrouds or shroud portions accordingly. Also, it is withinthe scope of this disclosure to use substantially any combination ofhybrid coupling devices, terminal coupling devices, and non-terminalcoupling devices in combination with at least one discontinuous shroudand at least one continuous shroud. It is further within the scope ofthis disclosure to use non-composite shrouds or tensioning members inconjunction with composite tensioning members. It should also be notedthat the arrangements and/or concepts disclosed herein haveapplicability to rigging arrangements other than those on a sailboat(e.g., construction, etc.).

Accordingly, a semi-continuous composite rigging system provides forstrategic use of discontinuous shrouds in combination with continuousshrouds to achieve a desired balance of performance characteristics of asailboat.

According to any preferred embodiment, a semi-continuous compositerigging system for use on a sailboat is provided including at least onediscontinuous shroud and at least one continuous shroud. Thediscontinuous shroud and the continuous shroud each have a first endportion and a second end portion. The first end portion and the secondend portion of both the discontinuous shroud and the continuous shroudare coupled to attachment points of the sailboat by terminal couplingdevices. One or more intermediate locations of the continuous shroud,located between the first end portion and the second end portion of thecontinuous shroud, are coupled to attachment points of the sailboat bynon-terminal coupling devices. One or more terminal and non-terminalcoupling devices may be combined, coupled, or otherwise integrated toform a hybrid coupling device. Any hybrid coupling device may beconfigured to minimize the bending moment on a spreader caused by one ormore shrouds.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,”and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in theappended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describevarious embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments arepossible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possibleembodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that suchembodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removableor releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or thetwo members and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two membersor the two members and any additional intermediate members beingattached to one another.

It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differaccording to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations areintended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe semi-continuous composite rigging system as shown in the variousexemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a fewembodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail inthis disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosurewill readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g.,variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions ofthe various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, useof materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departingfrom the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosedherein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may beconstructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements maybe reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discreteelements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent invention as defined in the appended claims. The order orsequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequencedaccording to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions,modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design,operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplaryembodiments without departing from the scope of the present inventions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A semi-continuous composite rigging system for asailboat, comprising: a first continuous shroud extending generallyvertically and including a first end portion and a second end portion; asecond continuous shroud extending generally vertically and including afirst end portion and a second end portion; a plurality of generallydiagonal discontinuous shrouds each including a first end portion and asecond end portion; and a plurality of terminal coupling devicesconfigured to couple the end portions of the shrouds to the sailboat. 2.The semi-continuous composite rigging system of claim 1, wherein alldiscontinuous shrouds are generally diagonal.
 3. The semi-continuouscomposite rigging system of claim 1, further comprising at least onegenerally vertical discontinuous shroud.
 4. The semi-continuouscomposite rigging system of claim 1, further comprising at least a firsttier, the first tier including only discontinuous shrouds.
 5. Thesemi-continuous composite rigging system of claim 1, further comprisingat least one non-terminal coupling device configured to permit the firstcontinuous shroud to extend therethrough and to couple to the sailboatthe first continuous shroud at an intermediate location, theintermediate location being between the first end portion and the secondend portion of the first continuous shroud.
 6. The semi-continuouscomposite rigging system of claim 5, further comprising a hybridcoupling device, the non-terminal coupling device at least partiallydefining the hybrid coupling device.
 7. The semi-continuous compositerigging system of claim 1, further comprising at least one hybridcoupling device, the hybrid coupling device including a first bodyportion configured to permit the first continuous shroud to extendtherethrough and to couple to the sailboat the first continuous shroudat an intermediate location, the intermediate location being between thefirst end portion and the second end portion of the first continuousshroud, and a second body portion configured to couple to the sailboat afirst end portion of one generally diagonal discontinuous shroud.
 8. Thesemi-continuous composite rigging system of claim 7, wherein the boatincludes a first spreader having a tip at a free end, the hybridcoupling device being seated at the tip of the first spreader andconfigured to minimize the bending moment on the first spreader.
 9. Thesemi-continuous composite rigging system of claim 7, wherein the firstbody portion of the hybrid coupling device includes a first end, asecond end, a first passage extending from the first end to the secondend, and a second passage extending from the first end to the secondend, the second passage being coextensive with the first passage at thefirst end and at the second end of the first body portion.
 10. Thesemi-continuous composite rigging system of claim 7, wherein the firstcontinuous shroud further includes a plurality of elongated compositetensioning member elements, a portion of the elongated compositetensioning member elements terminating within the hybrid couplingdevice.
 11. The semi-continuous composite rigging system of claim 10,wherein the first continuous shroud has a first cross section proximateto the first end of the first body portion of the hybrid coupling deviceand a second cross section proximate to the second end of the first bodyportion of the hybrid coupling device, the first cross section of thefirst continuous shroud being larger than the second cross section. 12.The semi-continuous composite rigging system of claim 1, wherein thefirst continuous shroud includes a plurality of intermediate locations,each intermediate location being spaced apart between the first endportion and the second end portion of the first continuous shroud, thefirst continuous shroud being coupled to the sailboat at eachintermediate location by one of the plurality of hybrid couplingdevices.
 13. The semi-continuous composite rigging system of claim 12,wherein the first continuous shroud is coupled at the first end portionto a deck of the sailboat by a first terminal coupling device, iscoupled at the second end portion to a top portion of a mast of thesailboat by a second terminal coupling device, and extends generallyvertically and continuously between the deck and the top portion of themast.
 14. The semi-continuous composite rigging system of claim 12,wherein the second continuous shroud includes a plurality ofintermediate locations, each intermediate location being spaced apartbetween the first end portion and the second end portion of the secondcontinuous shroud, the second continuous shroud being coupled to thesailboat at each intermediate location by one of the plurality of hybridcoupling devices.
 15. A coupling device for a semi-continuous riggingsystem, comprising: a first body portion configured to receive acontinuous shroud and to allow the continuous shroud to passtherethrough, comprising: a first end; a second end; a first passageextending from the first end to the second end; and a second passageextending from the first end to the second end, the second passage beingcoextensive with the first passage at the first end and at the secondend; and a second body portion coupled to the first body portion andconfigured to receive an end portion of a discontinuous shroud.
 16. Thecoupling device of claim 15, wherein the first body portion at leastpartially defines a non-terminal coupling device, the first body portionbeing configured to couple to the sailboat the continuous shroud at anintermediate location, the intermediate location being between a firstend portion and a second end portion of the continuous shroud.
 17. Thecoupling device of claim 16, wherein the second body portion at leastpartially defines a terminal coupling device, the second body portionbeing configured to couple to the sailboat the discontinuous shroud atone of a first end portion and a second end portion of the discontinuousshroud.
 18. The coupling device of claim 15, the coupling device beingfurther configured to be seated at a tip of a spreader on the sailboat.19. The coupling device of claim 18, wherein the first body portion isdisposed generally vertically.
 20. The coupling device of claim 18,wherein the second body portion of the coupling device is configured toextend substantially axially at least partially into the spreader. 21.The coupling device of claim 15, wherein the continuous shroud includesa first segment and a second segment, the first segment being at leastpartially received in the first passage of the first body portion andthe second segment being at least partially received in the secondpassage of the first body portion.
 22. The coupling device of claim 21,wherein the first passage and the second passage are not coextensive andare spaced a distance apart at a central portion of the first bodyportion, separating the first segment and the second segment of thecontinuous shroud at the central portion of the first body portion. 23.The coupling device of claim 22, wherein the second body portion iscoupled to the first body portion at the central portion at leastpartially between the first passage and the second passage and at leastpartially between the first segment and the second segment of thecontinuous shroud.
 24. The coupling device of claim 23, wherein thelocation at which the first end portion of the discontinuous shroud iscoupled to the spreader is proximate to the location at which theintermediate location of the continuous shroud is coupled to thespreader to minimize a bending moment created on the spreader by thecontinuous shroud.